David Bowes-Lyon was Margaret Rhodes' 2nd cousin once removed. He wasn't her close relative.

But his wife is Princess Anne's lady-in-waiting. Usually Mrs. David Bowes-Lyon represents Anne at funerals. Sometimes Captain David Bowes-Lyon represents the princess.

Second cousins are still close enough to attend funerals. We know this family is very close. It is one thing to send someone as your representative to a big official funeral meaning public. Another yo need a representative yo a private family event. Especially when the person is attending anyways. It's a private family funeral, you can't attend, send condolences. Font send a stand in. Unless your husband or child which makes more sense. That goes got Charles, tough his was at least not related. It just seems unnecessary.

Second cousins are still close enough to attend funerals. We know this family is very close. It is one thing to send someone as your representative to a big official funeral meaning public. Another yo need a representative yo a private family event. Especially when the person is attending anyways. It's a private family funeral, you can't attend, send condolences. Font send a stand in. Unless your husband or child which makes more sense. That goes got Charles, tough his was at least not related. It just seems unnecessary.

But it does show that they held her in high esteem. I'm sure personal condolences were sent as they grew up knowing her, but this shows the public that they thought a great deal of her.

I think it would be appreciated by the family.

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This precious stone set in the silver sea,......This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England,

What is the point of 'represented by' you can't attend you can attend. It would be one thing if say Tim went. But yo choose a rando, cousin and say 'oh he us there as a stand in for Anne' seems pointless. Not foes it make an sense. Unless I am missing some bond between the two other than distant family. The man is there for the funeral fur himself. This whole representing doesn't make sense. Thus isn't the funeral of a king they the queen sends someone instead.

I think that is just a custom that the Royals or Heads of State do. The average person that cannot attend or hates to attend funerals at any time, will just send message or call with their regrets. Might send a contribution to a charity in the dead person's name instead of flowers, etc. People in the public eye want to make it known that they loved or respected the person that passed but the service is out to them for whatever reason. Probably to stop media questioning their actions.

__________________Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet shed on the heel that crushed it - Mark Twain

Second cousins are still close enough to attend funerals. We know this family is very close. It is one thing to send someone as your representative to a big official funeral meaning public. Another yo need a representative yo a private family event. Especially when the person is attending anyways. It's a private family funeral, you can't attend, send condolences. Font send a stand in. Unless your husband or child which makes more sense. That goes got Charles, tough his was at least not related. It just seems unnecessary.

I believe as with most very private funerals, you are either sent a notice or receive a personal call. If you don't receive, don't go. Only once in all my old life have I ever received such an invitation but some of my second cousins didn't. No big deal. This is what the immediate family wanted. Period. Funeral home was closed to the public although not the burial site. Heck, a lot of people now are not having a "funeral service" with viewing, etc., just a memorial that takes place many weeks later. You get to the point that you have to ask "how is this one going to be". Life is funny anymore and things change.

__________________Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet shed on the heel that crushed it - Mark Twain